FUNDS are being sought to promote a massive breeding programme to sustain stocks of salmon in the Severn and Wye.
The move is being suggested by members of the Severn Estuary (Nets and Fixed Engines) Fishermen's Association as the best way to preserve the ancient estuary fisheries.
It follows publication of an Environment Agency consultation document which suggests one way to conserve dwindling stocks would be to ban fishing with nets and rods for 10 years.
But the Association believes a ban would mean the end of estuary fishing.
Association chairman John Keedwell told the Review: "Many of the Severn fisheries would close for good.
"The effort is already very limited and we are urging a more proactive approach.
"We believe we can work together with other interested parties, including The Wye Foundation, on returning fish to the Wye and the Severn by launching a vigorous hatchery programme.
"There is uncertainty over the reason for the Wye stock to be so badly hit, but what we are suggesting is giving nature a helping hand. It has worked successfully in other parts of Britain and should be introduced here as a matter of urgency."
Environment Agency officials were guests of the Association at a meeting to present the views of the netsmen held at The Victoria Hotel, Newnham, last week.
The Association stressed the heritage value of the remaining fisheries and Mr Melville Watts showed his classic award-winning film on the history of the Severn fisheries made over 20 years ago.